The northern Gulf Coast is under a hurricane watch as Tropical Storm Karen gets better organized in the southern Gulf of Mexico.

According to an 11 a.m. advisory from the National Hurricane Center, the storm, with sustained winds of nearly 65 mph and higher gusts, is moving toward the north-northwest at 12 mph. A gradual turn to the north and a decrease in forward speed is expected during the next 48 hours.

The storm is expected to strengthen, according to the NHC, and be at hurricane strength on Friday, though it is still unclear if the storm will be a hurricane at landfall. Currently, it is forecast to be a tropical storm when it reaches the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico.

The hurricane watch is in effect from Grand Isle, La. eastward to Indian Pass, Fla.

A tropical storm watch is in effect for West of Grand Isle to Morgan City, La.; metropolitan New Orleans; Lake Maurepas and Lake Pontchartrain.

A hurricane watch means hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area within 48 hours.